Depletion of the ozone layer, ­the shield that protects life on Earth from harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation, reached an unprecedented level over large parts of the Arctic this spring. This phenomenon was caused by the continuing presence of ozone­-depleting substances in the atmosphere and a very cold winter in the stratosphere (the layer of the atmosphere between around 10 km and round 50 km altitude).

COVID-19 exacerbates socio-economic impacts of climate change, which accelerated in past 5 years In the 50 years since the first celebration of Earth Day, the physical signs of climate change and impacts on our planet have gathered pace, reaching a crescendo in the past five years, which were the hottest on record. That trend is expected to continue, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

WMO has just issued its twice-yearly Bulletin, with a focus on Climate and Wate r in accordance with the theme of World Meteorological Day and World Water Day. The Bulletin introduces WMO’s 70 th anniversary, although official commemorative activities have been scaled back because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) conducted online outreach activities this year to celebrate World Meteorological Day 2020. It includes a message from WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas and CMA Administrator Ms. LIU Yaming. You can find many other interesting outreach materials, including the online video of CMA's new meteorological exhibition hall and other colorful on-line commemorative activities.

Water and climate are inextricably linked. We feel the effects of climate change mostly through water: more floods, more droughts, and more pollution. At the same time, we can tackle climate change through water, according to a joint message issued by Gilbert F. Houngbo, Chair of UN-Water and President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas for World Water Day and World Meteorological Day.

The year 2020 will be pivotal for climate action if the world is to control ever worsening impacts and indicators of climate change before it is too late, according to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as he launched WMO’s Statement on the State of the Global Climate.

The Argentine research base, Esperanza, on the northern tip of the Antarctic peninsula, set a new record temperature of 18.3°C on 6 February, beating the former record of 17.5°C on 24 March 2015, according to Argentina’s national meteorological service (SMN).

Unusual weather and climate conditions, including widespread and heavy rains since October 2019, have contributed to a serious and widespread Desert locust outbreak, which threatening rural food security across East Africa.